An Arab going soon to US soon , How will people deal with me ?

Question

I'm a 35 yo Arab going on a business trip to Rochester , NY soon. I wonder how would people deal with my being an Arab. My looks are just plain Arabic / Moslem and I'm not sure how would that be received there.

Should I expect bad vibes or outright hostility?.

P.S. My political / religious affiliations are liberal / moderate.

Answer 1

You probably won't get outright hostility, unless you do something of that sort yourself. I would just say try to blend in, because wearing a turban and white outfit won't bring about a good reaction probably. Most Americans aren't hostile as soon as they see an Arab (at least I've never met any like that), but after the World Trade Center attack, people might get a little freaked out if you start praying towards Mecca all of a sudden. So just don't do anything to provoke anyone.

Answer 2

Middle eastern is really the current "outcast" group in america right now. Expect more than a few suspicious stares on the plane and in the street. Expect to be searched at any checkpoint where "random" searches are done (airports, some sports arenas, ect...).
New york is very multicultural so it is not hard to get lost in the crowd, but the memory of 9/11 is still very strong, and added to that is the frustration at the current administration's poor handling of the situation.
You will probably encounter both bad vibes and outright hostility, depending on the people's personality. But just just stick to your buisness and always look like you know exactally where you are going and you will most likley be ignored.

Answer 3

Honestly...yes, in light of still ongoing and recent occurances...ignorant minded people are very unfriendly to an Arab person. But take heart . . . I'm a native born and raised California age 35 plus. I'm very aware to see an individual as an individual. Not their cultural connection, race, male, female...I strive to see the individual's humor, heart, compassion, personal interests. There are many who think the same as me...but most don't. Just keep your awarenes of the times we are in and know those of mean minds might be speaking to you (because of the way you look / sound) and would be really using you as a sounding board towards the goverment of your country. Just have clear knowingness of this and keep your emotional armor up. Maybe think of a common phrase to use towards those of mean minds to fend them off. Something simple as " I understand your feelings, but that is my government, not me" ~ ~ "I understanding your feelings but I'm here as an my own individual person, not a sounding board for political discussions" ~ ~ ~ " Everyone's thoughts are valuing, yet I don't discuss politics" and then switch subjects. If they don't 'let it go', then simply state "Apparently you really want to discuss this, I don't, so I wish you well and bye bye..." Bullies are bullies...they have been around for centuries and there has always been someone to 'pick on', have understanding of that and you'll handle things more peacefully. Just know this, when I see one who looks to be an arab I simply smile and share a nice ' hi ' as I would anyone else. Be at peace my friend.

Answer 4

Some of the people writing here are clowns. However, you will be fine. As long as you are polite and courteous you will be fine. Avoid talking about politics with people you don't know too well and be friendly. Don't worry, the police won't bother or harass you either. You may get people that are retards and not like you for what you are but that can happen anywhere. We're pretty tolerant of people here so welcome and have a good time.

Answer 5

words and words are a severe element interior the Zionist propaganda utility. The words, conflict, conflict and dispute between others are equipment utilized by the Zionists to imprecise fact. The Zionists pick us to call the successive, unlawful and immoral assaults, invasions and occupations of Lebanon 'conflict' besides the undeniable fact that the be wakeful conflict conjures a photo of two components taking aside in a protection stress conflict. aside from the 1973 conflict, Israel has by no skill fought a conflict. It has particularly attacked its pals and at situations international places that are far (Iraq) from it. If Israel comes to a decision to attack Lebanon back you will possibly be able to wager that it will with the help of fact Israel comes to a decision to accomplish that unilaterally and not for shielding reasons yet to advance its illegitimate conquest of of greater land or as a manner to stress its will on land it has already stolen.

Answer 6

Arab Brother, My best wishes for your endeavors in new business,
refer to your investment plan seems to me a jolted piece of land, since there are many Arabs in business unable to move out their account and business so they stick to their places as you too., until when...Allah the Almighty knows......My suggestion to delay your business schedule till the Big 'B' retire in US election...

Answer 7

dude we don't hate just you are arab, we just happen to hate some that are arab too. there are a cople morons that do hate just becuz you are arab, but there wrong to hate you for that.

hope the trip is a nice one, NY is a freaking amazing place.

Answer 8

contrary to popular belief most Americans are live and let live in nature we are a diverse community and not overly hostile
my cable man last week was ti from ti land a very affable chap

Answer 9

Millions of Arabs like you live here, why do you think you will be different?.

Answer 10

I expect that you will find Americans to be quite hospitable, as I found Arabs during five years in Riyadh. Welcome aboard, and may your business prosper.